Voters in Dixville Notch have made their voices heard, initiating the New Hampshire primary with a unanimous choice of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. The small northern New Hampshire town, with a tradition dating back to 1960, casts its votes just after midnight ET on primary day, marking the earliest declaration of results.
In this unique midnight voting event, all six participants—four registered Republicans and two independents—selected Haley, prompting her gratitude and an optimistic comment on the day ahead.
“A great start to a great day in New Hampshire,” Haley declared in response to the prompt announcement of the results. “Thank you, Dixville Notch!” This early voting tradition, although historically held at the now-dormant Balsams Hotel, has continued even with the hotel closed and awaiting redevelopment.
Questions arose regarding voter turnout due to the hotel’s closure, but the commitment to this electoral ritual remains steadfast.
While Dixville Notch’s population has decreased over time, the town’s ability to sustain this midnight voting spectacle underscores its significance for local leaders and political enthusiasts seeking an early glimpse into electoral dynamics.
Despite being a small town, Dixville Notch has become a symbol of civic engagement and an essential part of the state’s political landscape.
Dixville Notch’s midnight voting event holds a distinctive place in the state’s political history. Although neighboring towns like Hart’s Location and Millsfield have engaged in midnight voting earlier, Dixville Notch’s continuity and its role in the media, exemplified in an episode of Aaron Sorkin’s “West Wing,” contribute to its unique standing.
This tradition has successfully persisted, showcasing the community’s dedication to participating in the democratic process.
In the 2020 primary, Dixville Notch residents backed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in the Democratic primary. Notably, the town unanimously supported Joe Biden in the general election, casting five votes in his favor.
Despite Biden’s absence from the ballot due to a dispute between the state and the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota was listed but did not receive any votes.
Town Moderator Tom Tillotson, whose father played a pivotal role in incorporating Dixville Notch, emphasized the importance of civic participation.
The elder Tillotson’s efforts aimed to enable residents to vote without undertaking a challenging journey during inclement weather. Tom Tillotson cautioned against assigning too much significance to the midnight results, acknowledging that the town’s predictions can be hit or miss.
However, he highlighted a fundamental takeaway—encouraging people to embrace their role in the democratic process.
“There’s no magic bullet that comes out of here that tells people what to do or what’s going to happen. Sometimes we are right. Sometimes we are wrong,” Tillotson remarked.
“If all these people in the wilderness can get up at midnight and go vote, 100% of the town, maybe we should take voting a little more seriously. If we do anything positive, it’s maybe encourage a few extra people to vote,” he added.
